Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Equivocal words in Assembly
Our ministers, who seem to be more loggerheads than to respect each other’s opinion, use equivocal words in assembly sessions and do not leave any opportunity to humiliate their opponents. Such behaviour reveals that how uncivilised nation we are that those who approve legislation, passes bills and acts of different nature treat each other so badly and disrespectfully.
Having difference of opinion is not a bad omen rather natural and fruitful as to have more views and suggestions to reach to a mutually agreed better decision so that it can benefit masses at large. Our ministers should behave themselves and respect others’ opinions as it is not necessary to see eye to eye on every agenda. Be a civilised representative of the masses who send you in National Assembly.
FAISAL ANSAR
Karachi
Hospital crisis in Zimbabwe
It is deeply disturbing issue that anyone in Zimbabwe can think of digging anywhere in Zimbabwe searching for precious minerals without permission, license or resources to do so. Illegal mining in Zimbabwe is being done at an alarming scale whilst the government is turning a blind eye. These illegal miners are often being injured or killed as they lack technical knowledge to operate effectively and resourcesfully.
The effects of illegal mining are contributing to global warming and there is clear evidence of land degradation, swamps which breed mosquitoes that cause malaria. Climate change campaigners should lobby and voice their concern to President Mnangagwa to show strong leadership and stop illegal mining which is ruining the environment in Zimbabwe. TAPIWA MUSKWE
London
Save water save life
Water is life not only for the living being but also for the entire eco¬-system. It is a precious gift of God on the earth. Life exists only on earth just because of water. 71% of the land is covered by water on earth, in which 97% of the water is covered by the ocean and only 3% of water is in use for drinking and many other purposes. So there is not enough water for such a large population in the world. Population is increasing day by day and need of clean water is also increasing with the growing population. In this situation people are facing the problem of clean water scarcity but at same time they are wasting water and showing their careless attitude towards clean water.
Water is very important not only for living beings but also for agriculture, industries, hydro-electric plants and household etc. Due to the scarcity of water people are facing many difficulties and health issues. Places where clean water is not available people and animals drink dirty water from same place. Especially people living in deserts are badly suffering from this issue as they have to move for miles in search of water. Due to scarcity of water people do not remain healthy, do not work properly and children do not go for school regularly. Water is very essential for life so everyone should understand the importance of water and stop misusing it and use it with the proper management. We should also protect clean water from being dirty from soil or water pollution. Save water save life.
AMINA ZAFAR SATTI
Via email
Social phobia
Social phobia is a strong fear of being judged by others or being embarrassed. This fear can be so strong that it gets in the way of going to work or school or doing other every day chores. People with social phobia often worry for days or weeks in advance of a dreaded situation. In addition, they often experience low self-esteem and depression. Everyone has felt nervous or embarrassed at one time or another. People with social phobia are afraid of doing common things in front of other people.
Most people who have social phobia know that should not be as afraid as they are, but they cannot control their fear. Sometimes, they stay away from places and events where they think they might have to do something that will embarrass them. Social phobia usually starts during youth. In contrast to everyday nervousness, social phobia includes fear, anxiety and avoidance that interfere with one’s daily routine, work, school and other activities. Sometimes social phobia runs in the family, but no one for sure why some people have it and others do not.
A type of psychotherapy, called cognitive behaviour therapy is useful for treating social phobia. It teaches a person different ways of thinking, behaving and reacting to situation that helps her or him feel less anxious and fearful. It can also help people learn and practise social skills. Anti-depressant is used to treat depression, but they are also helpful to treat social phobia. Social phobia is a chronic mental disorder, but treatment such as psychological counselling, medication and learning coping skills can help one gain confidence and improve one’s ability to interact with others.
HADIA AZIZ
Islamabad
CAA
The introduction of the CAA and related changes in India have sparked significant emotions on all sides of the political spectrum in India and even outside the country. Every country has a sovereign right to protect its borders and to choose who it lets in, keeps in, and asks to leave.
There are a lot of people for it, and a lot against it too. I understand that emotions have not allowed the constitutional, policy and human rights elements of arguments on both sides to be argued separately and rationally. Activists have been detained. Some politicians have been openly inciting violence. I’ve received dozens of WhatsApp Forwards in the last few months that are, let me be absolutely clear, racist.
For a government that prides itself on its messaging, led by India’s tallest leader for decades, its response to the protests seems like an unmitigated disaster. I fully appreciate that the strategy behind its response is a wish to project strength, but it is getting in the way of policymaking and governance. The Constitution of India starts with “We, the People”. In responding to its citizens’ concerns, humility and rapprochement could have furthered the government’s objectives much better. The government has achieved so much in the last five years – why not focus on the positives, rather than lowering the level of the discourse?
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Via email
Suicide rate
Suicide rate in Pakistan has increased to an alarming number since the last couple of years. The main reason which has led to suicides is depression. Other reasons include bullying, societal pressure and parental pressure.
The society we live in considers seeing a psychiatrist a taboo which results in a number of suicides because they couldn’t seek help and get treatment. The miscommunication between a child and their parents can also lead to the mental illness of an individual. People making fun of someone’s appearance, skin colour or ethnicity lowers the confidence and self esteem of a person which gives rise to the suicidal thoughts.
We can stop all this by checking up on our friends and family. We should look for signs when someone is asking for help because they are too afraid to ask for it directly. Choose your words wisely as it can affect someone’s life.
MARIUM ALI
Karachi
